The Drinking Game for Flatmates
THE BRIEF
The project brief was to investigate a particular situation/human interaction through innovative research methods and examining how design and products influence these interactions.
CONTEXT
The project aims to explore interactions within flat shares, focusing on the conflicts and passive aggression commonly experienced in such settings. The goal is to improve communication among flatmates, addressing issues such as cleanliness, communication, and privacy. It seems like most people have story about a 'nightmare' flat share situation and so, I wanted to explore the challenges of living with individuals who have differing priorities and standards. The project stems from the need to find effective ways to balance everyone's needs and expectations while avoiding passive-aggressive behaviour.
The Drinking Game for Flatmates
THE BRIEF
The project brief was to investigate a particular situation/human interaction through innovative research methods and examining how design and products influence these interactions.
CONTEXT
The project aims to explore interactions within flat shares, focusing on the conflicts and passive aggression commonly experienced in such settings. The goal is to improve communication among flatmates, addressing issues such as cleanliness, communication, and privacy. It seems like most people have story about a 'nightmare' flat share situation and so, I wanted to explore the challenges of living with individuals who have differing priorities and standards. The project stems from the need to find effective ways to balance everyone's needs and expectations while avoiding passive-aggressive behaviour.
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
To gain insights into flat shares, I conducted interviews and reflected on common problems, such as cleanliness, communication, and privacy. I also explored existing solutions, including online forums and apps designed to streamline household chores and communication. I created a probe kit consisting of various items to engage participants in exploring their feelings and behaviours within flat shares. Through activities like documenting irritations and confrontations, I aimed to gain deeper insights into communication dynamics and patterns of behaviour.
THE RESULT
The outcome of the project is a drinking card game targeted at young people in house shares. Designed to encourage honesty and open communication, the game provides a lighthearted approach to addressing conflicts and acknowledging responsibilities. Feedback from user testing has been positive, indicating its effectiveness in improving communication among flatmates. The game's design aligns with existing drinking games on the market while clearly conveying its purpose and target audience. With its success in addressing the identified problems, the game offers a practical solution for fostering healthier interactions in flat shares.
